Gladiators' defense rules again in final

Glenelg 1 Parkside 0

Girls soccer

November 19, 2006|By Glenn Graham | Glenn Graham,Sun Reporter

With its defense once again holding down its end and senior midfielder Blair Maxson making the most of one of the few scoring chances in yesterday's Class 2A state title game at UMBC, the Glenelg girls soccer team captured the program's fourth crown with a 1-0 win over Parkside from Wicomico County.

The No. 12 Gladiators end the season with an 11-5-3 mark, going 7-1-2 in their last 10 games and not allowing a goal through their playoff run as they made sure to save their best for last.

Getting to the ball first most of the game, the Gladiators got the needed offense when senior Allison Novak sent a ball across from the left side that worked its way through traffic to Maxson near the far post around 6 yards out.

"I was wide-open and knew I had to go corner because their goalie [Sarah Pons] had been staying on her line. It was a pretty easy goal for the state championship, but I'm glad I got it," Maxson said.

The Gladiators' defense, led by senior sweeper Alissa Bourne, capably handled the rest. First-half goalie Kerry Krammer had to handle one shot and Malena Cahall came in and didn't have to make a save.

"We came out here so pumped and ready to go," Bourne said. "We got here in my freshman year and lost, so we wanted this, wanted to go out on a high note. It feels awesome - I've never felt this way before."

Last season, Glenelg started out 7-0 but faltered down the stretch and fell in the region semifinals. With a tough early-season schedule this season, it started 4-4-1.

"We had a rough start ... but from the beginning, our coach just said we had to come out and win our last five games," Maxson said. "We went out and did that and now we're state champs. It feels really good."

Coach Dean Sheridan felt good when he saw Maxson open with the ball at her feet.

"It went through a number of people and Blair was there. As soon as it got to her - I knew it was in," he said. "I have a lot of faith in Blair."